I have wanted a 3D printer for many years and done a lot of research. My first 3D printer was an Ord Bot Hadron that I purchased online for over $1500. While I love this printer design and high accuracy, I had a hard time shelling out that amount of money. I’m very happy with the printer, but wanted to find a way to make another (better) version for a much reduced price. That lead me to this build.

August 23rd, 2013

I received the SainSmart RAMPS 1.4+Mega 2560 R3 3D Print Kit. This kit includes the Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller, Sainsmart A4988 driver board, 5 Sainsmart RAMPS 1.4, and plenty of interconnecting cables in a nice case. For the price, I was sceptical, but once it arrived (within 2 days of ordering) I was impressed.

I also received the SainSmart 1.75mm green ABS filament.

I found a good deal ($430) on an Ord Bot Hadron mechanical frame with orange accessories on eBay and bought it.